DAILY HOMILIES #Moses

If only God could open our eyes to see his glory, ascending and descending upon the Tabernacle, we would not be able to contain ourselves as the Psalmist sings. “My soul longs and yearns to be in God’s presence. A day in God’s house is better than a thousand elsewhere!” I would rather dwell in the foot mats of God’s house than have a three-bedroom suite in the devil’s mansion.

There is a saying: “Do not spend your health trying to make money because all the money in the world cannot buy back your health.” Similarly, we can say: “Do not spend your soul trying to gain the world because all that the world contains cannot buy back your soul.” Never get so busy that you do not have time for personal prayer and daily examination of conscience (which is the act of checking up on your soul)

Leadership is not easy, but there is a secret to being successful at it: PRAYER. As a man, Moses was physically weak; he had lost his youth. He couldn’t speak coherently and confidently (hence the need for Aaron). The success of his leadership prowess came from his constant meetings with God. Every good leader must have a tent of meeting with God. We are powerless if we are not in tune with God through daily prayer.

What is the key to avoiding sin? How do we avoid worshipping the various gods in our world today? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the kingdom of God as a mustard seed that appears to be the smallest of all seeds but eventually grows into the largest of all shrubs. In other words, as the saying goes, “Little drops of water make a mighty ocean.” No one becomes a saint or a star overnight. A good character begins with good habits. You may start by observing one hour of sinlessness daily and gradually increase it.

The constant challenge before us, as Christians, is to recognise our true potential as wheat amid weeds. You are an eagle, not a chicken. You are meant to shine, like a lamp which gives light in the house, not meant to be hidden under a bushel. You are meant to fly high, not follow the crowd. You can be a Saint; do not be discouraged by the weeds you grew up with.

The murmurings of the children of Israel revealed the depths of their lack of appreciation for God, a failure to look beyond their immediate circumstances (impatience), and a deep-seated sense of entitlement.

There is a distinction between seeking God’s intervention and testing God (i.e., asking for proof of His power). Jesus worked countless miracles in the Gospels, but He only attended to those who needed help. Jesus never worked any miracles to prove that He is God. For instance, in today’s Gospel passage, the Pharisees asked Jesus for a sign, and in response, Jesus told them that only an evil and adulterous generation would seek a sign. The God who parted the Red Sea and enabled the Israelites to walk through it is still with us today. If you believe, you will see signs, but if you lack faith, no sign will be enough.

There is an extent to which our worship of God becomes reduced to the mere observation of rules. This occurs when we adhere to regulations to the detriment of our connection with God. This is what happens when religious rules become nothing more than an avenue to oppress the poor and weak in society. This was the problem of the Pharisees.

Like Moses, there are times when we become too conscious of the greatness and complexity of our problems that we completely lose sight of God's greatness. Despite seeing that the bush was burning yet not consumed, Moses still feared the wrath of Pharaoh. When we pray to God, it is unfortunate that instead of reflecting on God, we often reflect on our problems. Instead of contemplating God, we consider our enemies.

Moses asked God a question you may have asked yourself several times: “Who am I?” Who am I to solve insecurity in my country? Who am I to write a book? Who am I to start a company? Who am I to become a president, boss, or leader? And so forth. Do you notice how God answered Moses’ question? “I will be with you…” This is the Good News for you today. It’s not about who you are, but who God is. When next you catch yourself asking ‘Who am I?’ know that you are asking the wrong question. You should be asking, “Is God on my side?”

Miracles are of great value, but to repent from sin is the ultimate miracle. Every miracle is a sign pointing to God. Please do not get stuck on the sign and forget its meaning. Miracles must lead to repentance; otherwise, they become reduced to mere entertainment. God is disappointed with us when we return to our sinful ways after experiencing His miraculous intervention. Jesus expressed utter disappointment with the towns where most of His miracles had happened because, contrary to His expectations, the people remained stiff-necked in their sinful ways.

No matter how bad your situation seems, always have a positive attitude. Trust that God is giving you the best for now and that He is leading you somewhere. Good days bring memories, bad days teach lessons, worst days bring endurance. No matter how painful your experiences are, learn to look at the bright side.